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AROUND THE DISTRICT
Go Momentum: Exciting News for Concord
Self-driving cars are no longer science fiction! Contra Costa Transportation Authority and industry leaders recently held a summit on Refining Mobility with the Connected Vehicle/Autonomous Vehicle, an unveiling of the GoMentum Station at the Concord Naval Weapons Station in Concord. The GoMentum Station is a 5,000-acre facility that contains 20miles of paved, city-like roadway grids, buildings and other urban infrastructure, providing a realistic environment that will help accelerate the development of connected and automated vehicle technologies. With 2,100 acres of testing area, GoMentum Station is the largest secure test facility for self-driving cars in the world! Experts at the GoMentum event said that fully automated vehicles are still years away but elements of such technologies, like rear view cameras and radar impact warnings, are even now in use and already saving lives. I had the privilege of moderating a panel at the summit on "Connecting our Communities: How Technology is Transforming the Neighborhood." On this panel we discussed the idea of attracting more employers in the technology industry and top talent professionals into the region and the importance of locating jobs in sustainable communities that embrace transportation options such as transit and shared use vehicles, and ones that also offer amenities such as trails for walking and biking. Kish Rajan, the Director at the Governor's Office of Business and Development, stated that while California is a leader in innovation and technology, the way we look at traditional manufacturing and industry needs to adapt to a changing regulatory environment. One example he gave was on the Governor's initiative to be the global leader in climate change and the significance of finding ways to harmonize the mutual goals of staying a leader in a technology based economy while also being supportive of the State's environmental objectives. The GoMentum Station is an example of a unique partnership between the Contra Costa Transportation Authority and the City of Concord that has demonstrated a confluence of progressive policy making and partnerships that use existing resources to advance technologies in this exciting new industry of self-driving cars. "We're very hopeful this partnership will continue to support economic growth and spur excitement for hi-tech jobs in our community," stated Concord Mayor, Tim Grayson. I agree with the Mayor and also strongly support the efforts to be progressive in the area of exploring how technology can transform our communities for the betterment of all.
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Family Jusice Center
Gets Special Recognition
In recognition of 20 years since the passage of the Violence Against Women Act, federal officials recently visited East Bay family justice centers to applaud efforts in Alameda and Contra Costa counties to protect women and children. Representatives from the federal Department of Justice visited the Central County Family Justice Center to listen to two panels, one made of local public leaders and another of non-profit partners. Both East Bay counties are considered to be leaders nationwide in how they respond to and address domestic violence and other crimes against women at the local level. Contra Costa County uses a "coordinated response" model, in which police, prosecutors and victim advocates all work together to address an individual victim's needs.
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Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce -
UXL Awards
Every year the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce holds the UXL Awards Luncheon to honor and celebrate the exceptional businesses and individuals in the Chamber membership that have made significant contributions to our community. I was happy attend this year's UXL Awards and join in the celebration of recognizing these very special businesses and individuals. This year's awards recognized Diablo Publications as Business of the Year (accepted by Barney Fonzi) and Eric Rudney, of Rudney Associates as Citizen of the Year. It is so nice to see people recognized and honored for making a difference in our community. |
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Around the County
I
n Honor of the National Association for the Education of Young Children's
Week of the Young Child
I had the pleasure of visiting the George Miller Head Start Center in Concord to celebrate with them in the Week of the Young Child activities. This year, tens of thousands of children participated in the National Association for the Education of Young Children's (NAEYC) Week of the Young Child™ (April 12-18, 2015) events across the country. NAEYC, the world's largest early childhood education association, sponsors this annual celebration to raise awareness about the importance of quality early education. New for 2015, NAEYC has created a theme for each day of the week allowing children and adults to celebrate, create unique events and share the importance of early learning. Here in Contra Costa's Community Services Head Start and Early Head Start program, those events include visits from local legislators, a free Reading is Fundamental Book Giveaway for all children and various cultural events celebrating families together. Contra Costa County Head Start has been serving children and families in Contra Costa County for 50 years. Community Services provides federal and state funded early care and education and comprehensive services to 2200 children and families county-wide through 15 directly operated centers, a home visiting program and several childcare partnerships. Visiting with these very attentive teachers and happy and engaged early learners is proof of what an exceptional program they have. Though they are able to serve so many children, we still have 6000 children on the wait list county-wide, which shows that the need for subsidized care still outweighs the supply. Having previously served on the First 5 Contra Costa Children and Families Commission, I am very familiar with the research that shows us that children who attend high quality early care and education programs are better prepared for Kindergarten, have stronger language skills, and are less likely to repeat a grade or drop out of school. High quality care and education offers one of the highest returns of any public investment- more than $7 for every dollar spent- by reducing future expenditures on special education, public assistance, and the criminal justice system. Brain development research states that the most formative years are from birth to five years of age. This year also happens to be the 50th Anniversary of the Head Start Program. Head Start is one of the most rigorously measured social programs in the history of the country, and it continues to yield outstanding outcomes for children, families and the community at large. Head Start is not just about child care and early education either. It provides early, continuous, intensive and comprehensive child development and family support services on a year-round basis. The purpose of the program is to enhance children's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development; to support parents' efforts to fulfill their parental roles; and to help parents move toward self-sufficiency. Community Services Bureau provides a broad range of additional services to low income children and families through their partnerships with other agencies. They assist in connecting families to resources that include health services, dental care, nutrition programs, mental health services, developmental interventions, employment and training, housing referral, child support services, special education services, public school transition services, parent intern/mentor program, male involvement, and many others. We have an exemplary program in Contra Costa that provides high quality early learning and care for young children in our community that may not have access to an early learning environment otherwise. I'm confident that our expectations of high quality will ensure that these critical services will continue on for another 50 years and more!  |
Donate Life California Month
On April 14th the Board of Supervisors declared April 2015 as DMV/Donate Life California Month in Contra Costa County. Jeff Koertzen, with Donor Network West, received the proclamation and shared with the Board the startling statistics of the organ transplant waiting list. He shared that millions of lives each year are saved by organs, tissues, marrow, and blood donors/donations. With more than 10,000 people on the waiting list in our area alone
, he cited that just one organ donor can save up to eight lives and one tissue donor can improve the lives of up to 50 others. He impressed upon us the critical need for donors, especially those from minority communities.
If you are interested in learning more about organ donation or registering you can do so by accessing www.donatelifecalifornia.org. Additionally, you can also become an organ donor by ticking "Yes" when applying for or renewing your driver's license or I.D. card. Your decision could save a life.
In addition, The 5th Annual Donate Life Run/Walk in support of organ and tissue donation event will take place for the first time in Contra Costa County on Saturday, September 5th at Heather Farms in Walnut Creek. The Run/Walk will include a 5K, a 10K and a Kids' Dash. Visit www.donornetworkwest.org for more information.
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| National Crime Victims' Rights Week
Since 1981, National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) has challenged the nation to confront and remove barriers to full justice for all victims of crime. Each year, communities across the country revisit the history of the victims' rights movement and recommit themselves to advancing the progress already achieved. Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark Peterson made a presentation to the Board of Supervisors on April 14th in honor of the National Crime Victims
' Rights Week (April 19th- 25th). In his presentation
, he recognized the courage and determination of victims and the significance of understanding how we can help victims become survivors. Awareness promoted through the acknowledgment of Victims
' Rights Week helps the County in it
's effort to engage
the entire community and further enabling advocates to reach more victims and expand their options for services.
The District Attorney's office also held a small ceremony to thank local supporters and provide certificates to recognize the recipients of the National Crime Victims' Rights Week awards. These awards are given to individuals who go above and beyond in service to the victim community. |
| California Highway Patrol Explorer Program
At the Board of Supervisors meeting on April 21, California Highway Patrol Captain Chris Costigan shared information on an exciting program they offer to young men and women in the community between the ages 15 to 21. He introduced the "Explorer Program" which offers a unique and challenging opportunity to become an integral part of the Department's operations, and gain experience and insight into what a career in law enforcement would be like. The Captain indicated that the successful completion of the Explorer Program can open many doors and present many opportunities, especially for an Explorer who is planning to make the CHP a career. For more information about The Explorer Program visit http://www.chp.ca.gov/recruiting/explorers.html. The California Highway Patrol will hold an Open House on Wednesday, May 13th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm at their office which is located at 5001 Blum Street in Martinez. For additional information about the Open House contact the Martinez CHP Office at 925-646-4980. |
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Community Services Bureau Joint Training
My colleagues on the Board and I recently attended the Community Services Bureau Joint Training held annually for the Board of Supervisors, the Policy Council and the Economic Opportunity Council. This meeting was held during the Week of the Young Child. We heard a very insightful presentation on Early Education and research that continues to come out on the impacts of toxic stress in a young child's life and how this greatly impacts brain development.
When we discuss early care and learning for children, it is critical that we also discuss all the other factors that impact a child's development and thus ability to learn health, social, economic, environment, etc. This discussion was a great segway into our presentation on addressing poverty in Contra Costa County. There are so many groups in Contra Costa working hard to address these issues and strive for a better quality of life for all families. It is wonderful to see this momentum building and seeing results in terms of policy change. This is an important meeting where we bridge these three Advisory Bodies and collaborate on how best we can serve children in our community.
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Community Announcements
Concord Art and Wine (and Beer!) Walk Concord's branch of the American Association of Women (AAUW) will be hosting their 3rd Annual Art and Wine (and Beer!) Walk on Saturday, May 9th from 1:00-4:00pm. The AAUW organizes this annual walk each year with two goals in mind. The first is to send seventh grade girls to a local math and science camp to keep their interest in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math fields, and the second is to provide scholarships to local women who have overcome hardships to complete two years of community college, and who have been accepted into a 4-year university. Please come and stroll around Todos Santos Plaza and Salvio Pacheco Square enjoying fine wines, craft beers and appetizers all while viewing beautiful art and meeting local artists. Tickets are $20 per person in advance and $25 at the door. Participants must be 21 or older. For more information please visit their website here. |
| Celebrate Bike to Work Day in the City of Concord Bike to Work Day, a regional event promoting alternative commutes, is taking place on Thursday, May 14th. Stop by an energizer station on your way to work to pick up a free tote bag full of goodies, some breakfast, and good cheer. Last year over 21,000 people were counted biking on the morning of Bike to Work Day, and the numbers keep growing. On your way home, come join me at Concord's Bike to Work Day Celebration on Salvio Street, directly adjacent to the farmers market at Todos Santos Plaza. Stop by to enjoy some live music, games, a bike education booth, free bike repairs and more. The event is from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. I hope to see you there. |
| The 2015 Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour
On Sunday, May 3, please enjoy a free self-guided tour of 30 Alameda and Contra Costa County gardens. This delightful collection of native plant gardens ranges from Al Kyte's 40-year-old wildlife oasis to brand new installations, from large lots in the hills to small front-yard gardens, from local native plants to natives from throughout California, and from gardens designed and installed by owners to those designed and installed by professionals. Additionally you can learn how to select and care for California native plants, attract butterflies, birds and bees to your garden, reduce the use of pesticides and possibly lower your water bill. This year there are gardens featured across District IV. To learn more about the tour and locations please visit the website here.
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Commission Vacancies
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors has established many boards, committees, and commissions to which it appoints Contra Costa residents to serve, on a volunteer basis, to advise the Board on the myriad of programs and issues under the Board's jurisdiction. Contra Costa residents are encouraged to participate in their County government, and to put their expert knowledge and experience to work in their communities by applying to serve on a Board advisory body. Supervisors appoint individuals to various boards within their district. Currently there are vacancies for District IV representatives on five different boards, as follows: 1. Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board 2. Contra Costa Centre Municipal Advisory Committee 3. Emergency Medical Care Committee, Alternate Seat 4. Fire Advisory Commission, Alternate Seat 5. Local Planning Council If you or someone you know might be interested in applying for a seat on one of these commissions, please visit my website for further information or contact my office at (925) 521-7100.
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